New Year Resolution #1: Travel!

Happy New Year, my friends! Did you have a fun time ringing in 2013?

I spent a quiet evening at home with my family. I've been trying to rest and take it easy ever since being hospitalized in December with contractions. Fingers crossed I can keep this baby cooking until he is big enough to be born healthy and strong!

Anyways, being stuck in one place has given me time to dream up all the things I would like to accomplish in the New Year once I'm mobile again. And, I'd like to share each resolution with you this week.

Today, I'll reveal the resolution at the tippy top of my list: travel!

My Traveling Troop has explored the cities and states we've lived in over the years, including Washington, D.C., Virginia and California. But now that we live in Singapore, a flight away from a gazillion exotic locales in Asia and beyond, it's time to do some serious traveling!

Here is a list of all the places I'd like to visit while My Traveling Troop lives overseas. I'm hoping we can cross a few of them off the list in 2013!

Cambodia: Siem Reap is home to the ruins of Angkor Wat, a breathtaking ancient city that was the largest of its kind nearly a thousand years ago. I've already heard from a couple people that it's a must see while in Asia.

China: We are learning about Chinese culture during our stay in Singapore (about 60% of the population here are the descendants of ethnic Chinese who migrated to Singapore primarily in the 18th and 19th centuries, according to my smarty pants husband. He has a master's degree in East Asian Studies!). Why not travel straight to the source of so much heritage! Besides, our daughter is currently learning Mandarin. Perhaps she can be our translator!

Indonesia: We only live a two-hour flight away from Bali, so we would be fools not to go to the dreamy island - and Hindu enclave - to get our Eat, Pray, Love, on! We're also just a short ferry ride away from Bintan, which is known as a great place to rest and relax.

Japan: My family is eager to check out the temples, museums and fast paced city life of Tokyo. Finding mind-blowing sushi, katsu, tempura, yakitori, ramen, soba and udon is also on the top of our list of things to do while there! If we have time, we'd love to venture outside of Tokyo too.

Philippines: I was born in the Philippines. At the time, my father was in the U.S. Navy and stationed in Subic Bay. I would love to return to my ethnic motherland - at least half of it - one day and show my husband and children where I spent a good chunk of my childhood.

Thailand: I'd love to explore Bangkok's temples, markets and other attractions. If I'm brave enough, perhaps I'll even take a ride in a tuk tuk. Then, I'd like to escape the chaos of the city and head to the beaches of Phuket.

Germany: I know Germany is not in Asia, but we'll probably need to expand our regional horizons at some point. I've been following a few military spouse blogs and their adventures in Germany and it looks like my kind of country. It's beautiful, the Christmas markets seem festive, the castles are grand and there is plenty of wine and beer to go around too. I'm in! Besides, I have German ancestors via relatives in Owensboro, Kentucky, so it would be nice to visit the fatherland!   

France: It's been too long since I've been to France. I need to go back, especially to Paris, and do all the touristy things like check out the museums (especially the Louvre and the Musee d'Orsay), climb the Eiffel Towel, stroll along the Seine, marvel at the city's architecture, stuff myself with fresh-baked baguettes and over dose on cheese. C'est magnifique!

Have you ever been to any of these destinations? What should I see or do while there? What countries are on your travel wish list for 2013?

Cheers,

Kristina